ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Tomato Supply Eases, Prices Down by 12.89 % over last week and 23.69% as compared to last one month
Wholesale prices of Tomato forecasted to go down as crop from Rajasthan arrives in the Market
Price of tomato at the all-India level, as on 21.12.2021, was lower by 12.89% as compared to last one week and by 23.69% as compared to last one month. Prices of tomato as on 21.12.2021 for all the major cities in India were lower when compared to the corresponding prices one week ago and one month ago .
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Centres
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Retail Price of Tomato 
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Price As On
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1 Day
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1 Week
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1 Month
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% Variation
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Ago
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Ago
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Ago
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Over
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Over
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Over
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21.12.21
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20.12.21
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14.12.21
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21.11.21
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1 Day
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1 Week
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1 Month
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Delhi
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43
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45
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48
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63
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-4.44
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-10.42
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-31.75
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Mumbai
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41
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41
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45
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54
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0.00
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-8.89
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-24.07
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Pune
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34
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34
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45
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42
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0.00
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-24.44
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-19.05
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Jaipur
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42
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42
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50
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55
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0.00
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-16.00
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-23.64
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Bengaluru
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57
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57
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66
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88
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0.00
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-13.64
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-35.23
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Chennai
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42
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42
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63
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100
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0.00
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-33.33
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-58.00
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Hyderabad
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35
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35
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50
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53
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0.00
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-30.00
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-33.96
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All-India
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47.52
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47.93
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54.55
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62.27
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-0.86
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-12.89
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-23.69
Major markets in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Delhi, have been seeing an increase in arrivals, and hence a correction in prices in the past few days. The wholesale prices of tomato are forecasted to go down as crop from Rajasthan is in themarket and crop from other states is expected to arrive by end of December.Due to subdued rains, the supply disruption in Maharashtra and Gujarat has resolved and most of the retail markets have seen a decrease in the prices.
Ministry of Finance
The Government of the Republic of India and the Republic of Peru sign Co-operation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters
An Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of Peru on Co-operation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters was signed today in Mumbai, on the side-lines of the 80th Session of the Policy Commission Meeting of the World Customs Organisations  . The three day 80th Session of the Policy Commission Meeting of the WCO is being organised by the Central Board of Customs and Indirect Taxes , Government of India in Mumbai, India, from 3rd to 5th December 2018.
The Agreement was signed by Mr. S. Ramesh, Chairman, CBIC on behalf of the Government of India and Mr. Rafael Garcia, as the National Superintendent of Customs on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Peru.
The Agreement provides a legal framework for sharing of information and intelligence between the Customs authorities of the two countries and will help in the proper application of Customs laws, prevention and investigation of Customs offences. The Agreement will also help in the availability of relevant information for the prevention and investigation of Customs offences. The Agreement is expected to facilitate trade and ensure efficient clearance of goods traded between the two countries.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
NEET PG and NEET SS cut off percentile reduced by 15%; about 18000 students to be benefitted
Significant step towards strengthening medical sector: J P Nadda
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has reduced the NEET PG and NEET SS cut off percentile by 15%. The decision is likely to benefit about 18000 students as this will improve the chances of filling up PG seats and minimizing wastage of seats.
Referring to the decision, Shri J P Nadda, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare stated that all efforts are being made to fill up the PG seats. “This is a significant step towards strengthening medical sector and indicates the priority given by the government to the health sector. We are making sure that there is adequate manpower for providing quality health services,” Shri Nadda added.
AYUSH
AYUSH Ministry approves 200 Ayush Health & Wellness Centres in Almora District of Uttarakhand
Under Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National AYUSH Mission , the Ministry of AYUSH has approved 200 AYUSH Health & Wellness Centres  in Uttarakhand. In this regard, Arvind Lal Vandana Lal  Foundation, New Delhi is providing support to the Department of AYUSH, Uttarakhand, in operationalization of AYUSH HWCs in Almora District of Uttarakhand. Accordingly, a tripartite MoU was signed among the partners on 10th December, 2020. Secretary , Joint Secretary , Director , Uttarakhand and Dr. Arvind Lal, Chairman, ALVL Foundation, New Delhi attended the virtual event.
The overall responsibility of planning, implementation and providing essential support to the Trust to carry out designated activities will be rested with the State Government of Uttarakhand. The Central Governmentwill provide necessary technical support.The ALVL Foundationwill support in Population Enumeration, creation of Health Cards in the catchment population of the HWCs and help in training & capacity building of HWC team.
In the operational guideline of AYUSH Health and Wellness Centers, there is a provision for partnership with Government and Non-Governmental organizations for improving the environment for health in providing Comprehensive Primary Health Care. The Central Government has decided to operationalise 12,500 AYUSH Health and Wellness Centres in phased manner by the year 2023-2024 throughout the country.
Ministry of Rural Development
Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan empowering villagers with livelihood opportunities - Success stories of beneficiaries
The Garib Kalyan RojgarAbhiyaan  has been launched to boost employment and livelihood opportunities for migrant workers returning to villages and similarly affected citizens in rural areas, in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak. The Abhiyaan is taking action on mission mode to provide employment to migrant workers who have returned to their native villages of 6 states namely Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. The Abhiyaan is now empowering villagers with livelihood opportunities in 116 districts of these states.
The Abhiyaan’s success so far can be seen as convergent efforts of 12 Ministries/Departments and State Governments, which are giving higher quantum of benefits to the migrant workers and rural communities. Two success stories of beneficiaries whose houses have been constructed under Garib Kalyan RojgarAbhiyaan are given here.
- State :Odisha
Details of the beneficiary
Name:Sashi Barik
Village:Tebhadunguri; Gram Panchyat:Hirapur; Block:Loisingha; District: Balangir
During COVID-19, when the nation was under absolute lock down, Sashi Barik decided to construct her house, which was sanctioned under PMAY-G. The authorities put all the efforts to gather construction materials and manpower keeping the unexpected lockdown in mind. As a result, Sashi could complete the houses in all aspects within one month of receiving the first instalment.
“Now we are happily living in a cement concrete house. Thanks to Government for supporting the poor families like us to build a pucca house. Now I am the proud owner of this house,” says 80-year widow Sashi Barik, who was living in a dilapidated house in Tebhadunguri village of Hirapur Gram Panchyat under Loisingha Block in Balangir district.
Her son is a daily wage labourer. With his little earning, they are able to get two meals a day for the 5-member family. A pucca house was always a distant dream for them. But Government has supported them with financial assistance of Rs 130,000/- under rural housing scheme to build a pucca house. For early completion of house, Sashi will receive an incentive amount of Rs 20,000/- from the Government.
- State :Jharkhand
Details of the beneficiary
Name:DulariMasomat
Village:Hurudag; Gram Panchyat: Base; Block:Katkamdag; District: Hazaribagh
SmtDulariMasomat’s husband died in the year 2008. She has three daughters. After the death of her husband, the entire responsibility of raising her daughters fell on her shoulders. She has been working as a daily wage labourer in order to take care of her family. Her house was in a dilapidated condition. In the year 2019-20, she got sanction for house construction under PMAY-G. Under GKRA, she has constructed her house with her own labour and is extremely happy. Expressing gratitude to the Government, she said that with the assistance from the Government she has also constructed a toilet and has got a cooking gas connection. Now she is able to provide better living conditions to her family.
President's Secretariat
President of India to Grace the Closing Ceremony of Fourth Agri Leadership Summit in Ganaur, Sonipat, Tomorrow
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, will visit Haryana  tomorrow  to grace the closing ceremony of the Fourth Agri Leadership Summit, organised by the Government of Haryana. He will also present the Haryana Kisaan Ratna Puraskaar and the Haryana Krishi Ratna Puraskaar on the occasion.
Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
NSTI invites applications to various courses
National Skill Training Institute , Kazhakuttom, Trivandrum under the Union Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship has invited applications for various courses under Craftsmen Training Scheme  . No tuition fee will be charged. There are nine courses from one year to two years duration. Candidates must have finished 10th standard. For more information , contact Ph: 9037748852, email:nstiw-trivndrum@dgt.gov.in , website: nstiwtrivandrum.dgt.gov.in
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Ministry of Electronics & IT
Exchange of MoU between CeNSE, IISc and LAM Research
Ministry of Electronics and IT  announced the exchange of signing of Memorandum of Understanding  between the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering  at the Indian Institute of Science , Bengaluru and Lam Research India at the ongoing SemiconIndia in Gandhinagar today.
The collaboration, initiated by this Ministry, brings together the academic excellence of IISc’s CeNSE and the global expertise of Lam Research, a renowned supplier of innovative wafer fabrication equipment.
Lam Research’s ambitious goal is to utilise Semiverse Solutions to develop a 60,000 strong workforce in nano-fabrication in India over the next 10 years.
The core objective of this collaboration is to jointly develop a customised course offering for Indian universities, dedicated to teaching semiconductor fabrication technology. This will utilise Lam Research’s cutting-edge Semiverse Solutions virtual fabrication software, SEMulator3D.
The IISc and Lam Research will collaboratively develop the framework for the Pilot Course syllabus. The first stage is expected to be completed by December 2023, with the second stage is anticipated to be concluded by June 2024.
The announcement was made in the presence of Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Electronics & IT Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar, MeitY Secretary Shri Alkesh Kumar Sharma, President SEMI Shri Ajit Manocha and senior officials of the Government and Industries.
Prime Minister's Office
Text of PM’s Closing Remarks at the Inaugural Leaders’ Session of Voice of Global South Summit 2023
Excellencies,
I thank you for your insightful statements. Your observations will guide the next eight sessions of the first ever ‘Voice of Global South Summit’. From your words, it is clear that human-centric development is an important priority for developing countries. Today’s interventions also brought out the common challenges that are on the top of all our minds. These mainly concern the lack of resources for our development needs, and increasing instability both in the natural climate and the geopolitical climate. Despite this, it is also clear that we developing countries are full of positive energy, full of confidence.
In the 20th Century, the developed countries were the drivers of the global economy. Today, most of these advanced economies are slowing down. Clearly, in the 21st Century, global growth will come from countries of the South. I think that if we work together, we can set the global agenda. In the upcoming sessions today and tomorrow, we will further amplify and develop the valuable ideas which have emerged from our discussions today. Our effort will be to distil action-points for the Global South – both for what we can do together, and for what we can seek together on the global agenda. The Voice of the Global South needs to set its own tone. Together, we need to escape the cycle of dependency on systems and circumstances which are not of our making.
I thank you once again for your time, presence and valuable remarks.
Thank you. Dhanyawaad ji.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Centers intervention against substandard items led to 67% decline in imports of Toys
The Government has taken proactive steps to restrict import of sub-standard and unsafe toys and to promote domestic toy industry. A Quality Control Order for Toys was issued on 25/02/2020, through which toys have been brought under compulsory certification from Bureau of Indian Standards  with effect from 01-01-2021. As per the Order, every toy in the market must conform to the requirements of relevant Indian Standard and bear the Standard Mark under a license from BIS as per Scheme-I of BIS  Regulations, 2018. This order is applicable to domestic manufacturers as well as foreign manufacturers who intend to export their toys to India. After implementation of QCO for the toys, Search and Seizures were conducted by BIS and 41,106 quantity was seized till 16.03.2023 across the country including major airports, ports and shopping malls.
Till date, BIS has granted 1,114 licenses to domestic toy manufacturing units and 35 licenses to foreign toy manufacturing units. The sanction of BIS certification for the products is an ongoing process and the license is being granted by BIS after following due procedure within the prescribed time.
As a result of various steps taken by the Government, the volume of import of toys into the Indian market has shown a consistently decreasing trend. The import of Toys  to India has decreased from USD 332.55 million in 2014-15 to USD 109.72 million in 2021-22, a decrease of approximately 67%.
In addition to the issuance of Quality control order for toys following steps have been taken by the government to reduce Import of Toys :-
- A comprehensive National Action Plan for Toys has been formulated by the government to promote designing of toys based on Indian values, culture and history; using toys as a learning resource; organizing hackathons and grand challenges for toy designing and manufacturing; monitoring quality of toys, restricting imports of sub-standard and unsafe toys; promoting indigenous toy clusters; boost local manufacturing and incentivize toy manufacturers to promote Made in India toys.
- Directorate General of Foreign Trade  vide Notification No.33/2015-2020, dated 02-12-2019 mandated sample testing of each import consignment and no permission for sale unless the quality testing is successful. In case of failure, the consignment is either sent back or destroyed at the cost of the importer.
- The Basic Customs Duty  on Toys  was increased from 20% to 70% in February, 2023.
- QCO on Toys was amended on 11-12-2020 to exempt goods and articles manufactured and sold by artisans registered with Development Commissioner, Ministry of Textiles and by registered proprietor and authorized users of a product registered as Geographical Indication by the Office of Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks.
- Special provisions were notified by BIS on 17-12-2020 so as to grant license to micro scale units manufacturing toys without testing facility for one year and without establishing in-house testing facility.
Vice President's Secretariat
Vice President of India departs for a 6-day visit to Guatemala, Panama and Peru
“India attaches significant importance to friendly relationship with these Latin American countries”: Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu
The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu departed today for a 6-day visit to Guatemala, Panama and Peru. This is the first official foreign visit of Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu since he assumed office of the Vice President in August last year.
The Vice President said his visit will strengthen relations with these Latin American countries.
“India attaches significant importance to friendly relationship with the countries in this region,” said Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu.
“I will be holding meetings at the highest levels in all these three countries. I will also interact with Parliamentarians, University Students and meet members of the Indian Diaspora. Strengthening institutional mechanisms for political interaction, multilateral matters, trade and commerce, investments, Information Technology, traditional medicine, space, defence and culture will be some of the key issues for deliberations. I look forward to a fruitful visit,” he added.
Ambassadors of Guatemala, Panama and Peru to India, Mr. Giovanni Castillo, Dr. Gilberto LIerena Garcia and Mr. Jorge Juan Castaneda Mendez respectively were present at the airport to see off the Vice President on his maiden visit abroad.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Shri Nitin Gadkari says in the next five years both the centre and the States should work together to transform the Transport sector of the country to become five Trillion dollar economy
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari has said in the next five years both the centre and the States should work together to transform the Transport sector of the country to become five Trillion dollar economy. Addressing the 41st Meeting of Transport Development Council  at Bengaluru today he said efforts should be made to increase the automobile industry from 7.5 lakhs crore to 15 lakhs crore in next 5 years enabling India as a top automobile manufacturing hub in the world. He said this is only possible with the adoption of best technologies for the Indian road sector and emphasis on digital contactless services by all States/UTs. The Minister said all diesel buses should be replaced with electric buses to reduce pollution and costs. Shri Gadkari said all the stakeholders should resolve to fulfil Prime Minister’s vision of Atma Nirbhar Bharat. He reiterated that serious and sensitive approach is needed towards road accidents and hard decisions will have to be taken to save precious lives of people.
Ministers of Transport from Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Goa, Karnataka, Delhi and Tamil Nadu participated in the 41st Transport Development Council . The initiatives of the Ministry on construction of roads, public transport, technology adoption, Road safety and the initiatives on the development of Road Transport were appreciated by the Ministers. They complemented Shri Gadkari for bringing out the Motor vehicles  Act, 2019 and its speedy implementation. They also spoke about various initiatives taken by respective States/UTs for improving the quality of road transport, road safety and support transport infrastructure. They also highlighted the challenges, such as adoption and procurement of electric buses, establishment of charging stations, driver training centres, vehicle fitness centres etc.
Minister of State RTH & Civil Aviation, Gen.  V K Singh, Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane, and Joint Secretary Shri Mahmood Ahmed also addressed the gathering.
MJPS
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Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Shri Gaurav Dwivedi appointed CEO, Prasar Bharati
The President of India has today appointed, after due recommendation by the Selection Committee, Shri Gaurav Dwivedi, as Executive Member  in Prasar Bharati for a period of five years from his assumption of charge.
Shri Dwivedi is an Officer of the Indian Administrative Service, Batch of 1995, of the Chattisgarh cadre.
Saurabh Singh
(
Ministry of Defence
Corporatisation of OFB
The Government has ensured safeguarding the interests of the employees of Ordnance Factory Board  post corporatisation of OFB, inter-alia, in the following manner:-
- It has been decided that all the employees of OFB , belonging to the production units and also the non-production units being handed over to the new DPSUs  would be transferred to these DPSU on terms of foreign service without any deputation allowance  initially for a period of two years from the appointed date.
- All the employees of OFB Head Quarter, OFB New Delhi Office, OF Schools and OF Hospitals, would be transferred to the Directorate of Ordnance Factories  under the Department of Defence Production, initially for a period of two years from the appointed date.
- Till such time the employees remain on deemed deputation to the new entities, they shall continue to be subject to all rules and regulations as are applicable to the Central Government servants. Their pay scales, allowances, leave, medical facilities, career progression and other service conditions will also continue to be governed by the extant rules, regulations and orders, as are applicable to the Central Government servants.
- The pension liabilities of the retirees and existing employees will continue to be borne by the Government.
Since the announcement of the Government to undertake corporatisation of OFB in May, 2020, the Government has held various discussions with the OFB employees’ Federations regarding the corporatisation of OFB under Chairmanship of Secretary . Their concerns and suggestions were noted. Their main concern about safeguarding the interests of the employees of OFB has been adequately addressed as mentioned above. It is pertinent to mention that Chief Labour Commissioner  also held discussions with Government & OFB Federations as part of the conciliation process under the ID Act 1947.
This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt in a written reply to Shri Binoy Viswam in Rajya Sabha today.
ABB/Nampi/KA/DK/Savvy
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Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in States/UTs
More than 201.33 Crore vaccine doses provided to States/UTs
More than 5.60 Crore balance and unutilized vaccine doses still available with States/UTs
The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The nationwide COVID 19 vaccination started on 16th January 2021. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from 21st June 2021. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.
As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID Vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalization of the COVID19 vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply  75% of the vaccines being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs.
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VACCINE DOSES
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SUPPLIED
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2,01,33,02,325
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BALANCE AVAILABLE
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5,60,57,420
More than 201.33 crore  vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through Govt. of India  and through direct state procurement category.
More than 5.60 Cr  balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.